Melinda & Zach- Saranac Lake Game & Fish Club

Congrats to Mindy and Zach on their new marriage! They certainly lucked out with the weather. Melinda and Zach were married here in Saranac Lake, NY at the Fish & Game Club. Mindy is so creative that I felt like I was walking into a magazine shoot when we walked in the tent. Chris and I had a wonderful time sharing in your joy as you were united in Christ through marriage. It was such a blessing to be a part of your special day.

Meghan & Travis' Engagement

Wow, it has been crazy lately, and it will only get crazier with 4 weddings in the next 9 days! I just booked Meghan and Travis for next September 29, and I did their engagement shoot on Wednesday morning at the Whiteface Club & Resort, where they will be getting married next year. It was early and chilly, but we had a good time regardless. I can't wait for the big day! If you are ever in Placid, check out Milano North (I hope I spelled that right)- where the old Nicolas used to be on Main Street. Travis just opened it, and I am sure it is fabulous as he does a lot of the catering at the Whiteface.

Samantha & Dave - Lake George, NY

Congratulations to Samantha and Dave on their new marriage! Chris and I could not have picked a better couple or a better wedding to photograph on our first anniversary. This couple share a rare joy and love that is so evident to all. And, it didn't hurt that they picked BEAUTIFUL sites for their ceremony and reception- not to mention the perfect weather. The ceremony was at the bride's parents home on Brant Lake with reception following on the Adirondac, a Shoreline cruise on Lake George. Thank you to the Cramoy family for choosing us to document this special day!

Our first anniversary in Lake George!

Chris and I can hardly believe that it has been a year since we said "i do!" It has been such an amazing year with so many blessings... one down, 100 to go! ;-) To celebrate our anniversary, we shot Sam & Dave's wedding in Lake George (shots to come later today), and then we went to Merril McGee's in Warrensburg for dinner.

After that, we could hardly contain our excitement for some year-old cake! So, we rushed back to the new and fabulous Hampton Inn in Lake George and cracked open some champagne and cake. Look at some of our crazy/cheesy shots (some taken with a timer).... We aren't as funny as we think, i know it, but we were cracking up. We didn't let the cake thaw very much before we tried to cut it with the plastic knife. But, the cake was very surprisingly amazing!! It had been tightly wrapped with extra clingy plastic wrap, so I guess that did it. Of course, it helps that it was the most amazing cake ever last year- www.cakesbyjane.com (orange pound cake with chocolate in the middle- note we dug a cave in the cake to get to the chocolate- haha).

If you would like to see some shots of our big day, our photographer Scott Hubener (aka Scott Lessing Photography) has us up on his site. Although you know us as Chris and Rae, we are known as "Tasha and Nathan" on this man's site. Ha! Enjoy! We certainly have.

Kelly & Nick - Oswego, NY

While Chris fell asleep in our hotel room, I HAD to update the blog with some of my favorite shots from today's wedding of Kelly and Nick! It was so beautiful, and we had such a blast with this couple. The wedding and reception were both at Bayshore Grove in Oswego, NY. Thank you so much, Kelly and Nick! We can't wait to see you two when you get back in town from your honeymoon in Mexico.

Ann Marie & Rob's Engagement Session!

Late this afternoon, Chris and I had the pleasure of shooting Ann Marie and Rob's engagement session. Ann Marie is the sister of Beth (one of our brides from this past May- the wedding where I tragically sprained my ankle and was rescued by Chris' amazing talents with the camera for the reception!). Fortunately, this session was tragedy free and has me very excited for their big day! We can't wait- only three more weeks!!

Vacating in Maine!

Chris and I are having the BEST time camping on the coast of Maine. Our first day (and again tonight), we stayed in Old Orchard Beach. The last two days, we were in Boothbay Harbor- loving life, eating lobster, sleeping in a tent, playing with Baxter, driving along the coast, sailing the ocean, shopping in Freeport, and snapping some shots along the way. Check out some of our shots! We are (sorta) bummed to come home, but we are definitely looking forward to our soft bed and all the weddings coming up. ;-)

Site launch postponed...

Bummer, I know. Our tech support person is in need of support herself (her computer died and had to be laid to rest), so we have no idea when the new site will officially launch. But, i have been working very hard the last two days on it. If you want a sneak peak, go to www.raebarnes.com/blusite. None of the text is there; much to my dismay. Some things need shuffling around, etc, but for the most part, the portfolio part and the contact part is ready to go (those are the most important, right?).

Sorry to any of you that were holding your breath. Chris and I are on vacation next Monday through Friday, so it is not likely to launch while we are gone (but who knows). Speaking of which, you will be getting those annoying automated responses to any emails you send me next week. If you absolutely must get a hold of me, call my cell (518.586.6827), and i might answer. But, i will get back to any messages. :-)